Arsenal star Bukayo Saka returned to the England squad with a bang against Wales.
The two countries faced each other in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday night, and the Three Lions made light work of Craig Bellamy’s side.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring in the opening minutes of the game before former Arsenal target Ollie Watkins doubled the lead.
Saka then sealed the win with a stunning strike.
English and Welsh media deliver verdicts on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s performance
Bukayo Saka missed the last England camp due to a hamstring injury.
The 24-year-old is almost always a guaranteed starter for club and country, and he showed why against Wales on Thursday.
The Three Lions absolutely dominated the opening exchanges of the game, and Saka was a key cog in Thomas Tuchel’s attack.
In the 20th minute of the game, the Arsenal number seven got on the ball in the box, cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable strike past Karl Darlow.
Everyone was impressed with Saka’s strike, even media outlets in England and Wales.
The Independent gave him a 9/10 rating and wrote: “A key cog in England’s attacking unit that completely overwhelmed Wales in the opening 20 minutes and scored the best of the opening three goals when he cut in from the right and curled a sublime finish into the far corner.
“Such a danger because teams know what he wants to do but are often simply unable to stop him. Linked up well with those around him and provides a world-class option in every attack.
“Noni Madueke had impressed in last month’s international break when Saka was out injured, but the 24-year-old is a class above.”
The Metro also gave him a 9/10 rating and said: “After an injury-hit start to the season with Arsenal, Saka gave Tuchel a reminder of his importance to England’s World Cup hopes with undoubtedly the goal of the game in the 20th minute. England’s star man on the night.”
On the other side, Wales Online hailed England and Saka’s display by saying: “A thundering right hook from Morgan Rogers, a precise jab from Ollie Watkins, and a spectacular haymaker from Bukayo Saka were enough to condemn Wales to the canvas after just 20 minutes here.
“The Arsenal winger wouldn’t be denied, cutting in from the right before bending a sensational strike into the top corner from around 25 yards.”
Bukayo Saka enters Arsenal history books after his England goal
Saka already has a few records to his name at Arsenal, and he has just added another one.
The Hale End graduate’s goal on Thursday night was his 13th for England. That takes him past Cliff Bastin to become the highest-scoring Arsenal player for the Three Lions.
That is an unbelievable record for someone who is still only 24 years old.
If Saka continues to develop at the same rate, we are convinced that he will go on to become one of England’s greatest players of all time.
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